1966→1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2

1966→1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2

In 1966 Lamborghini prepared a larger version of the 350 and 400 GT called the 2+2 that made space for a rear seat and more overall interior space.

This extra room and seating space followed Lamborghini’s goal to make a user-friendly grand tourer at the highest level. He employed some of the best in the business to take on the well-established and well-raced Ferraris.

The first 350 prototype was designed by Franco Scaglione. This was heavily modified by Carrozzeria Touring who had to produce the design for series production. After 120 cars, the model was revised again by Touring into the 400 GT 2+2. Probably the most tell-tale difference between the 350 GT and 400 2+2 is the paired headlights, but the cars have a number of important differences that make the 4-seater almost entirely new.

This new model accommodated a rear set of seats that couldn’t fit in the original design. Touring had to pay considerable attention to increasing interior space without losing the 350 GT’s elegant proportions. To do this, they retained the exact same front windscreen, but lowered the floorpan and steched the entire body slightly taller. Extra height comes from higher beltline and the 400 GT is noticeably taller when examining the extra space from the top of the front wheel arch to the body crease. The result is a car that is 2.6 inches higher but very similar in proportion to the 350 GT.

Other space saving measures included reversing the rear control arms and completely reshaping the rear window. This allowed for a reshaped trunk lid and a single fuel filler which sat on the right-side C-pillar, replacing the dual-fillers from the early model.

Probably the most tell-tale difference between the 350 GT and 400 2+2 is the paired headlights that replaced the early sculpted units. These were necessary to comply with American safety regulations. Other detail differences include an extra front wiper and new, more basic dashboard gauges. Some cars have been modified to mimic the early design traits.

To save production costs and increase durability, bodies were changed from aluminum to steel. This meant that the new model was much heavier than the outgoing 350 GT. Only the trunk and hood remained in aluminum.

Attached the new V12 was a Lamborghini-designed five-speed transmission. This replaced the old ZF unit and was thought to make less noise with and be easier to use with Porsche syncro rings on all five gears. The rear Salisbury differential was also replanced by a Lamborghini unit. Chassis details remained almost identical. Only the spring and shock rates were changed to cope with the increased weight of the larger steel body.

The 400 GT 2+2 was released in March at the Geneva Motor Show. It was direction competition to the Ferrari 330 GT, Jaguar E-Type 2+2 and the Maserati Sebring 3500 GTIS.

After two years of production the 400 GT out-produced the 350 by a factor of two. Just under 250 examples were made, very few of which were right-hand drive. Two specially-bodied 2+2s were made. One more-angular car called the Flying Star II by Touring and a second more outrageous car by Neri & Bonacini called the Monza 400.

1966 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 Spyder Conversion 0577 – sold for $451,000 This 1966 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 Spyder, wearing production number 18, was born as a coupe and finished in Grigio Argento over a Nero leather interior. It was delivered to Lambrocar, the official Lamborghini dealer in Milan, Italy, in July 1966, and from there, it was subsequently delivered to its first owner, Dr. Mariano Delle Piane. In the early 1990s, the car was owned by a Peter Wolofsky, of Hallandale, Florida. It is believed that restorer Jerry Fandytis’ work was carried out during Wolofsky’s ownership, making it one of just two 400 GTs converted by him. Auction Source: 2014 Monterey by RM Auctions

1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SC Coupe 188.014.7500024 – sold for $275,000 According to its Mercedes-Benz data card, the coupe offered here was originally delivered to New York and equipped with a radio, which is still installed today. In fact, by inspection of its numbers, it is equipped with the original engine. Acquired by the present owner in 1998, its older restoration has been well-maintained since, and it still remains in very nice condition, inside and out, with all of its original features well-preserved. The paint is still deep, the interior still fresh, and the solid wood dashboard is impressive in its sheer heft and shine. This scarce 300Sc would be an ideal car for sweeping down Sunset Boulevard—retracing Gable’s tire marks—or simply to and from the golf course. Decades after it was built, it remains a big, cushy, comfortable means of high-speed transport for four very lucky people. Wunderbar! Auction Source: 2013 Arizona Auction by RM

1967 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 0649 – did not sell for €170,000 This particular example, chassis 0649, is the 40th 400GT 2+2 built, originally delivered to Spain in Grigio Medio. The car has benefited from a thorough restoration. The paint is good and shows no signs of significant aging. The interior is fabulous, and the typically stylish fittings all present superbly. Whilst the car is an older restoration, it continues to present fantastically and sits on iconic Borrani wheels, giving it a sporty and aggressive look. Closer inspection of the car confirms that even the smaller details of period correctness were properly tended to. For example, the badges, the engine compartment detailing and even the correct, quilted insulation on the inner wings are all factory correct. As a classic Italian GT car in every sense, with equal measures of drivability, luxury, performance and style, this 400GT 2+2 is a true gentleman’s high-speed coupé. Auction Source: Monaco 2012 by RM Auctions1967 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 1195 – did not sell for $240,000 One of only 247 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2s originally built. Meticulously restored to show-quality standards. A matching-numbers example. Previous ownership of 41 years. Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM

1966 Lamborghini 400GT 2+2 Spyder – sold for $187,000 – One of the two expert Spyder conversions by Jerry Fandytis. Carefully maintained and detailed to show-quality standards. Today, this spectacular 400 GT Spyder shows just over 2,500 miles since its conversion was completed. During early 2010, Harbor Auto Restoration of Rockledge, Florida selectively refinished the exterior, installed a new fuel pump and performed a major service. Completely detailed, including the show-quality undercarriage, the Spyder exhibits higher standards of fit, finish and detailing than perhaps even those of its original manufacturer. Running exactly as it should and complete with a comprehensive history file, this stunning and fastidiously maintained Lamborghini 400 GT Spyder represents an opportunity that cannot be missed by connoisseurs of the world’s finest and most distinctive exotic Italian cars. Auction Source: 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions

1967 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 – sold for $181,500 The 400 GT 2+2 presented here was sold new in Argento Grigio Metallizzato (Silver) with a black leather interior. It is a matching numbers car, showing 93,929 kilometers (58,236 miles). Originating from a large Midwestern collection in which it saw limited use, it has just been serviced thoroughly by a respected Lamborghini specialist where it was fitted with new timing chains, a new stainless exhaust system, rebuilt carburetors, a rebuilt water pump, a fresh radiator and oil cooler, new hoses, oil lines and new paint – bringing it back to the original silver. The interior was redone very correctly in new leather in recent years. The engine bay is very tidy and clean, making this car a very fine example of the final evolution of the 350 GT/400 GT series. Auction Source: 2008 Monterey Preview

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